Background:
Period poverty—lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, education, and facilities—affects an estimated 500 million women globally, with significant impacts in Sudan. Menstruation is heavily stigmatised and surrounded by myths, such as not showering during periods or considering menstrual blood impure. Girls often face shame, social exclusion, and school absenteeism, leading to educational setbacks and poor health outcomes. In Sudan, most menstrual information comes informally from mothers or grandmothers, and formal education on menstrual health is nearly non-existent.

About the project:
To address stigma and close the menstrual health knowledge gap, this project developed a Telegram-based chatbot—“Let’s Talk Period!”—to provide accurate, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based information on menstruation. The platform covers topics such as menstrual hygiene, period products (including sustainable options), myths and facts, and coping with menstrual disorders. The bot is available 24/7, fully anonymous, and accessible to users across Sudan. It includes illustrated content, videos, FAQs, and interactive pre-/post-tests to assess learning.

Results:
Since launch, the bot has reached thousands of users and is part of a broader initiative with over 20,000 members on Facebook and 40,000 followers on TikTok. User feedback confirms that the platform has increased knowledge, reduced stigma, and empowered girls to manage their menstruation with dignity.